A fall tradition is back with arrival of The Salvation Army's annual Fruit & Nut Sale, a fundraiser spearheaded by the organization's volunteer women's auxiliary group.
Sales kicked off Monday and orders will be taken through Oct. 4 with delivery in time for the holidays, according to a provided news release.
The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary (SAWA) of Kosciusko County has a long history of supporting local programs and services that benefit families and individuals in need. The sale originated in the 1970s in cooperation with Terri Lynn Fundraising and has proved a popular annual tradition for local residents. SAWA members Kim Hart and Ann Pinnick are co-chairing the fundraiser this year.
Supporting the Fruit & Nut Sale has been made even easier this year. Items can be purchased online by visiting sawarsawnuts.org or by picking up forms at The Salvation Army, 501 E. Arthur St., Warsaw. SAWA members also have paper forms they can provide upon request. Free shipping is available for all orders over $30, so local residents are encouraged to share the link with family and friends to help increase support.
Proceeds from the sale help support services, like providing shoes for schoolchildren and necessary work clothing for adults. The sale also supports the Pathway of Hope program, which seeks to break the cycle of poverty affecting local families, and Salvation Army programs that support youth and veterans.
Last year, The Salvation Army provided almost 58,000 meals and grocery orders to Kosciusko households in need and helped to make Christmas brighter with the distribution of over 4,100 toys and clothing items to local children. Fundraisers like the Fruit & Nut Sale and the upcoming Red Kettle Campaign make these and other vital ministries possible.
"We are grateful to everyone who purchases fruit and nuts to help Others," said Envoy Sina Locke, corps administrator for The Salvation Army. "We have seen an increase in requests, so the funds from the Fruit & Nut Sale will help us address these needs."